Learning by Playing. A Case Study of the Education in Photography by Digital Games

Authors

  • Zdenko Mago Department of Digital Games, Faculty of Mass Media Communication, University of Ss. Cyril and Methodius in Trnava Námestie J. Herdu 2, 917 01 Trnava, Slovak Republic
  • Łukasz P. Wojciechowski Department of Mass Media Communication, Faculty of Mass Media Communication, University of Ss. Cyril and Methodius in Trnava Námestie J. Herdu 2, 917 01 Trnava, Slovak Republic
  • Magdaléna Balážiková Department of Digital Games, Faculty of Mass Media Communication, University of Ss. Cyril and Methodius in Trnava Námestie J. Herdu 2, 917 01 Trnava, Slovak Republic
  • Amiee J. Shelton School of Humanities, Arts and Education, Department of Media + Design + Communication, Roger Williams University One Old Ferry Road, Bristol, RI, 02809, United States of America

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15503/jecs2023.1.465.479

Keywords:

digital games, education, game-based learning, photo mode, photography, serious games, virtual photography

Abstract

Aim. The study aims to explore the current state of digital game-based learning to reflect the extent, possibilities, opportunities, and limitations of its implementation in the specific field of education as visual art, especially photography.

Method. The explorative study employed the method of theoretical analysis of available literature and other secondary sources related to the issue, and subsequently applied the method of an illustrative (descriptive) case study.

Results. Photo modes of commercially available digital games, originally intended to increase the players’ retention and participation, have led to the birth of a new art form, virtual photography. The technology of photo modes in a larger variety of recent games has made virtual photography available to significantly more players. Photo modes provide artistic control and creative options alongside a whole catalogue of lenses, camera parameters, and other features, reducing the financial burden associated with the purchase of photographic equipment. Furthermore, photo modes offer more than just a substitutable alternative to traditional photography, as added artistic value is found within virtual worlds.

Conclusions. Despite some limitations regarding the overall implementation of digital game-based learning in photography classrooms, photo modes of commercially available digital games are a suitable tool for educational efforts in photography through both self-development and measurement of outcome-based learning.

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Author Biographies

  • Zdenko Mago, Department of Digital Games, Faculty of Mass Media Communication, University of Ss. Cyril and Methodius in Trnava Námestie J. Herdu 2, 917 01 Trnava, Slovak Republic

    Associate professor at the Department of Digital games of the Faculty of Mass Media Communication at the University of Ss. Cyril and Methodius in Trnava, Slovak Republic. He particularly focuses on interconnections between digital game studies, marketing communication, and popular culture. Among others, he is the author of the monograph World of Advergaming: Digitálne hry ako nástroje reklamy [World of Advergaming: Digital Games as Advertising Tools] and the textbook Dizajn reklamnej hry (nielen) pre nezávislých vývojárov [Advergame Design (not only) for Independent Developers]. He has been the Editor-in-Chief of the academic journal Acta Ludologica since 2018.

  • Łukasz P. Wojciechowski, Department of Mass Media Communication, Faculty of Mass Media Communication, University of Ss. Cyril and Methodius in Trnava Námestie J. Herdu 2, 917 01 Trnava, Slovak Republic

    Associate professor at the Department of Mass Media Communication of the Faculty of Mass Media Communication at the University of Ss. Cyril and Methodius in Trnava, Slovak Republic. He focuses on guerrilla marketing, ambient marketing communication and new trends, as well as questions in necro-marketing, semiotics and the history of film and photography. He is the author of the monograph Ambient marketing: + case studies in V4 (2016). A laurate of the Grand Prix of theatrical photography and an author of various photography expositions, book covers and posters, he has practical experience with film production as an assistant director and assistant producer at international projects.

  • Magdaléna Balážiková, Department of Digital Games, Faculty of Mass Media Communication, University of Ss. Cyril and Methodius in Trnava Námestie J. Herdu 2, 917 01 Trnava, Slovak Republic

    Assistant professor at the Department of Digital games of the Faculty of Mass Media Communication at the University of Ss. Cyril and Methodius in Trnava, Slovak Republic. Her academic interests focus mainly on psychological aspects of marketing communication, consumer behaviour, and digital games, especially regarding cognitive psychology. She is also fond of behavioural economics and neuromarketing as an application of findings and techniques from neuroscience into research of consumers.

  • Amiee J. Shelton, School of Humanities, Arts and Education, Department of Media + Design + Communication, Roger Williams University One Old Ferry Road, Bristol, RI, 02809, United States of America

    Prof. Amiee J. Shelton. Ph.D. holds the title of professor in Strategic Communications/Public Relations in the School of Humanities, Arts and Education at Roger Williams University, teaching courses in public relations and strategic communication focusing on data analysis and research methods. As the former Program Director for Liberal Arts in the College of Continuing Studies, she has proven experience in the development, administration, and assessment of college communication and humanities curricula; demonstrated success in identifying and responding to trends and developing practices in undergraduate, graduate, and professional education in the broad field of communications, and has significant experience in instructional technology. A Fulbright Scholar and accredited in Public Relations from Public Relations Society of America, she has significant international teaching experience.

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Published

2023-06-20

Issue

Vol. 14 No. 1 (2023): Journal of Education Culture and Society

Section

EXPRESSION

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Copyright (c) 2023 Zdenko Mago, Łukasz P. Wojciechowski, Magdaléna Balážiková, Amiee J. Shelton

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How to Cite

Mago, Z., Wojciechowski, Łukasz P., Balážiková, M., & Shelton, A. J. (2023). Learning by Playing. A Case Study of the Education in Photography by Digital Games. Journal of Education Culture and Society, 14(1), 465-479. https://doi.org/10.15503/jecs2023.1.465.479